USB Flash Drives, Options on How to use Them: by ConfusedUFBlogger
As I searched for an ISM topic to expand on for my blog this week, I finally embraced USB Flash Drives. These are the popular plug-n-play devices we all have used, seen, or have on our key-chains. They are great for storing work , storing school videos to re-watch, X-Box play, and are considered an industry standard for a temporary storage device that one can take to anywhere and use data they have already created. These devices start at around twenty dollars and have many advantages but also some disadvantages.
The security of information held on any system they are hooked up to can be at risk; at least that is what my workplace has decided. About two years ago the federal government decided that these helpful and handy devices were no longer allowed to be attached to their networks after security issues have arisen. I have heard a rumor that another nation was legally using DOD computers during NATO training exercises in the United States and accessed sensitive information and it stored on a USB Flash Drive. I am not able to verify this rumor, but have found an article that makes that rumor feasible.
In the article and also first link below by Lucas Mearian describes the plausibility of this happening and it expands on other sensitive information being lost from the hyperlink “security problems” in the eighth paragraph. Personally seeing a Military/DOD communications representative run to a coworkers office to find out what device he had hooked to his USB port, a cell phone to recharge, and tell him he was violating DOD Ops Sec I know how serious the US Government takes the risk of these devices being attached to their network. If you think that your company could have information that is sensitive ask your technology representative first before hooking up one of these handy devices.
Personally I use a USB Flash Drive to save all of my photos, video lectures for school, and school documents. This saves me time when I am using either computer in my house and also space on my older laptop that is already bogged down with a lot of information. These convenient devices are not the end solution for not having enough space on your computer’s RAM just a helpful tool to have information on your keychain. If you want to see how one youtuber thinks you can expand RAM with a flash drive, unlikely, check out the second hyperlink below. I also found the third hyperlink below good because it debunks the RAM expanded by flash drive myth and touches on the how and why of it.
Finally, a good use for a USB Flash Drive, Xbox gaming. There is always a need for fun and who would not want more space for games at an affordable price. If you are curious of how to expand room on your Xbox for more game data please check out the last link below. It is a short how to video that carries one through the process of adding the device to the menu of the console.
The USB Flash Drive has a place in most of our computer applications for simple storage of projects that we may need handy for work. The device itself is easy to use, carry, and save information to. The only drawback to this device is to be sure that if you are going to use it at work, check to see that your company allows it first. If nothing else the expansion of Xbox memory is a good thing.
“More flash drive firms warn of security flaw; NIST investigates” By Lucas Mearian, January 8, 2010
How to use a USB Flash Drive as RAM in Windows XP
Debunking USB Flash Drive Ram Myth
Using a USB Mass Storage Device with your Xbox 360
